NCAA Tournament: Top 10 Players in the Midwest Region
By Shane Black
2. Jalen Pickett, G, Penn State
17.9 points, 7.3 rebounds, 6.9 assists – 51.6 FG%, 38.3 3P%, 77.3 FT%
Jalen Pickett was named a First Team All-Big Ten and Second Team All-American selection earlier this month. The fifth-senior combo guard has brought life to the Penn State basketball program and almost single-handily propelled them into the Tournament field with his play down the stretch. Pickett led the Nittany Lions in points, rebounds, assists, steals, and field goal percentage.
This is Pickett’s first NCAA Tournament appearance, and I expect him to shine. He is a creative offensive player who should succeed in the physicality of March. If Penn State can put together a run, Pickett will be at the forefront of it.
1. Trayce Jackson-Davis, F, Indiana
20.8 points, 10.9 rebounds, 4.1 assists – 57.8 FG%, 68.6 FT%
Trayce Jackson-Davis put together the most dominant season of any player in this region. The senior big man was a First-Team All-American after leading the Indiana Hoosier to their most fruitful regular season in nearly a decade. When I think of the word ‘domination,’ TJD’s game comes to mind.
He was second in the Power Six in points per game and third in rebounds per game. Jackson-Davis has an incredible motor and second spring that makes him one of the best offensive rebounders in the country. When he gets the ball over his right shoulder, his lefty hook is near automatic inside seven feet.
Jackson-Davis does not overwhelm you with size, but he is one of the most active players I have seen at the collegiate level. Jackson-Davis combines terrific athleticism and feel with an uncanny ability to always know where to be on the court. While the regular season success was nice, when TJD decided to return to Indiana last offseason, his mind was on Tournament success. He can cement himself in Hoosier lore over the next three weeks.